Got 'semi-broken down' yesterday

Fireman · May 9, 2001

The wife and I were returning to St Augustine from St Petersburg where we spent the weekend. We were in her 96 Blazer. At about Ormond Beach, the "quiet ride" was interrupted by what could be called a ROD knock coming from the engine compartment. Pulled off I-95 and listened. Checked the oil, ok. Oil pressure, ok. Finally found a garage. They listened. Could not deteremine cause right away. Could be a rod, but since oil pressure was okay, they doubted it. Said, let it cool, we will pull starter and check further. That 'further' found that the pressure plate was pretty well rusted and also cracked!!! I then explained to them that the dealership back home just did a REAR MAIN SEAL. "They should have seen this then," was the reply!!! That was the noise and said it was okay to drive home. Just take it easy. We got home, and then to the dealership I went. Immediately asked for the Service Manager, explained the situation, said I wasn't going to pay another deductible, and he told the service writer to write it up as engine noise, and see me on the the write up form. He also said I would not have to pay another deductible. WE SHALL SEE... : ( JC

Frank S · May 9, 2001

That's not good to hear at all and they definitely should have noticed the defective flywheel while replacing the rear main seal.

Good luck and keep us informed on how they treat you.

Fireman · May 11, 2001

Update: Well, it's not the flywheel!!! They pulled it out and it's okay. I saw it. Before they went that far they did a fuel injector cleaning in case it was carbon. No luck there. The extended warranty people were called and actually arrived at the dealership w/in 2 hours. He listened and asked only 1 question. "Didn't we just put ? in this motor 2 months ago? I don't want to pay the ? to tear it down to find out what is knocking. Just replace the motor!!!" :< I don't know what could be knocking with less than 44000 miles on the vehicle, but with a 18 months to go on the extended warranty, I guess I should come out okay. STAY TUNED :I JC

May 11, 2001

Wooohooo!!!

Sounds like you get a new motor!

Fireman · May 15, 2001

I saw the replacement motor just after it was delivered to the dealership yesterday. It's not a rebuild, but a motor from a 98 4X4 with just over 20,000 miles on it. The wife's Blazer is a 2X2, but no problem is anticipated by the mechanic. The Blazer already had the oil cooling lines attached, he said we just won't need the remote adapter for the oil filter. They will be removing the water pump, intake system and distributer from the existing motor. He said if it has any problem at all upon startup, they are authorized to fix it right then and there. Should have it back by Wednesday PM. JC : )

Frank S · May 15, 2001

Godd deal.

I'm glad that it all seems to be working out for you.

Keep us posted as to whether they did you right with the used engine.

May 16, 2001

I am kind of surprised that an extended warranty company would go with a used motor. When mine got replaced, they bought a long block from GM. Who is your extended warranty through?

Fireman · May 19, 2001

Picked up the Blazer Friday afternoon. Had to pay ?.19 over the ? because the warranty company would not spring for the oil filter, but they did pay for the oil :C Yep, oil but no filter. Makes perfect sense to me. To use and an old expression; "The junkyard engine is performing very well so far!!!" We have more power, as the tool man used to say, and no more hesitation. We also have better oil pressure readings than we had before. Don't have any idea why an engine with 43000 miles on it would throw a rod, but it sure did. By the way, I bought the extended warranty from the GM dealer where I bought the Blazer. It is Associated Dealers Warranty Corp, but my service writer said my contract had been sold to Fidelity... I am sure it is not the same Fidelity that has all my mutual funds!!! CUL8R JC